IT has been 58 years since Tunku Abdul Rahman shouted “Merdeka”, a meaningful word that signified our liberty, sovereignty and victory in defending our right to live in a free country.
However, with the many issues challenging our unity, has it made our bond stronger or weaker?
With everyone having the right to freedom of speech and expression, some use their rights as a platform to voice their views through proper channels.
Others, however, misuse the right to protest and provoke others with their rude statements, false rumours and insensitive comments on social media.
Freedom should be celebrated in the right way.
We should not make others feel offended as we enjoy freedom of thought.
Malaysians should be grateful to live in a plural society that rejoices the singularity of all cultures.
Our significantly patriotic theme this year, Sehati, Sejiwa (One Heart, One Soul), not only indicates the beauty of our chemistry and camaraderie, but also the importance of reconciliation after a misunderstanding or crisis.
There is a solution for every problem and every cloud has a silver lining.
So no matter how serious our situation, we should learn to see the glass as half full while believing that the pain and pressure will only be temporary.
Everyone should play a crucial and individual role in preserving, promoting and strengthening racial unity.
A good example was filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad, who made movies focusing on strong relationships between races, family members and friends.
Let us, in conjunction with this special day, reminisce about the historical days in remembrance of local warriors and previous leaders and contributors who fought for the freedom we cherish today.
Their contributions to the country deserve our respect, recognition and appreciation.
We will continue the legacy and make the next generation proud of our passion, perseverance and persistence in developing the nation, preserving the heritage and upholding strong virtues.
As poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said: “Lives of great people remind us we can make our lives sublime and, departing, leave behind footprints in the sand of time.”
MUHAMAD SOLAHUDIN RAMLI,MARANG, TERENGGANU